Float-ball.



.NQ. 599,64l'. Patented May l3, I902,

A. W. AYMNG & P, F. BEJCHERT.

FLOAT BA L.

(Application filed Mar. 9,4901.

.(No Model.)

mmllllllll l l lllllllimm NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUR \V. AYLING AND PAUL F. REIOHERT, OF TOLEDO, OHIO.

FLOAT-BALL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 699,641, dated May 13, 1902.

Application filed March 9, 1901. Serial No. 50,435. (No model.)

To (tZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, ARTHUR W. AYLING and PAUL F. REICHERT, of Toledo, county of Lucas, and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Float- Balls; and we do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the figures of reference marked thereon, which form part of this specification.

Our invention relates to an improvement in the manufacture of float-balls for use especiallyin water-closet tanks, and has for its objeot to construct a float which combines lightness with great strength and which may be manufactured at a cost considerably below that of the floats at present in the market.

The floats now in general use comprise two hemispherical shells of sheet metal, having their meeting edges soldered together. Although great care is exercised in soldering, it is found difficult to maintain the floats in a perfectly water-tight condition, the natural contraction and expansion of the metal of which the float is constructed having a tendency to open the seam between the shells. It is also found that the solder where exposed is chemically decomposed by the action of the water, causing the same to become porous, permitting the water to enter the float and render it useless. These and many other objections are overcome by our invention.

In carrying out our invention we form the float in separable sections having marginal screw-threads rolled therein and adapted to be screwed together, and we further provide an annular channel in proximity to the marginal screw-threads, which is adapted to receive a compressible packing to seal the float against the entry of water when the sections are screwed together.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation of our improved float-ball. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the upper section of the ball. Fig. 3 is a similar view of the lower section of the ball. Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the upper section, showing the annular channel for the packing-ring; and Fig. 5 is an elevation of the packing-ring.

In constructing our improved float-ball we proceed as follows: By means of dies we first strike up the hemispherical sections 1 and 2 out of suitable sheet metal, preferably sheetcopper. The same operation forms a shoulder 8 in section 1. The sections 1 and 2 are then each formed with a marginal screwthread t and 5, rolled into the metal forming the sections. to enter section 1. 6 is a ring inserted in the upper member and held in position by frictional engagement. 7 is an annular channel to receive a packing-ring 8. The shoulder 3, formed on section 1, provides a seat for the packing-ring, and the ring 6 holds the same in position. It is evident that the ring 6 may be dispensed with and that an annular bead or rib may be formed in section 1 in place of the ring 6. The meeting edge of the section 2 (indicated by 9) is rolled or rounded over to prevent abrasion of the packing-ring when the sections of the float are screwed together. In order to securely fasten the valve-stem to the float, we perforate the lower section of the ball and then draw out the margin of the perforation to a fine edge and insert the spud 10 from the inside of section 2. The spud after being inserted is sweated .in position, the solder being protected from the action of the water.

As it is often desirable to weight a ball, by our construction it is possible to load the same to any degree desired. By forming the sections with marginal rolled screw-threads it is evident that the ball is greatly stiffened, thereby permitting the use of lighter metal than has heretofore been considered feasible for such purposes.

In carrying out our invention we employ a gum-rubber packing-ring; but a ring of any suitable material may be substituted for the gum-rubber.

Having described our invention, what we claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A float-ball formed of two hemispheres of thin sheet metal stiifened and secured by screw-threads rolled in their marginal edges,

The thread on section 2 is rolled said sections being provided with a shoulder portion on said hemisphere a groove, and a and an annular channel, a packing-ring in gasket on said groove for makinga tight joint said channel, and resting against the shoulbetween the parts, substantially as-described. I5 der, and a frietionallysecured ring for hold- In testimony that we claim the foregoing as iug the packing ring, substantially as set our own we affix our signatures in presence forth. of two witnesses.

2. A float-ball formed of two hemispheres ARTHUR W AYLING l having their outer edges rolled into screwr threaded portions, a shoulder being thereby P-AUL REIOHER formed on one hemisphere to receive the edge of the other, and an inner ring secured inside said shoulder and forming with the threaded Witnesses:

v CARL H. KELLER,

CHAs. C. DEFENBAUGH. 

